April 8th Autographs, Manuscripts, Books & Photography
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/8/2021
"If you find spies have them court-martialled and shot. There must be some of these miserable English are pouring them on us"
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (FRENCH, 1769-21), WRITTEN LETTER & TRANSLATION, March 12, 1804, 2 PCS, H 8.5", W 7.25", "CITIZEN GENERAL MARMONT..."Accompanied with translation from Harrington Bros. Antiquarian Booksellers (London). Letter is written as 1st Consul to General Marmont.
Citizen General Marmont,
l received with pleasure your letter of the 16th in which you tell me that in May or June you might be ready. Send me details of the present state of your army and the exact account of each corps. Send them in the format of a little booklet "in 12". Let me know the number of conscripts that you have already received and the condition of your hospitals.
Three warships from Liege should have gone down the Meuse. Let me know where they are.
Keep an eye on what is happening in Holland. If you find spies have them court-martialled and shot. There must be some of these miserable English are pouring them on us.
Familiarise yourself with the details of the Infantry's maneuvers. The time to exercise your troops is soon to start, and you know it's importance. Most particularly in this war in which the first movement will be the hottest and most decisive. You must give word to the officers so that they can all take care of it.
Inspect the soldiers often and in detail. When you arrive in the camp set up a border battalion, and see the soldiers one by one for eight hours straight. Receive their complaints, inspect their arms and make sure that they are not lacking in anything. There are a lot of advantages in doing these seven or eight-hour reviews. It gets each soldier used to staying under arms and shows him that his Chief does not let himself or discipline go slack, but takes care of him, which is for a soldier a big reason for confidence. Let them believe this before their embarkation. l will come to the camp to see the maneuvers and give them some flags.
Bonaparte
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA and JSA LOA
Important Napoleon Bonaparte Signed Letter
Click above for larger image.